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ABOUT THE AWARDS
Why the Golden Whisk Awards Matter
The shared kitchen industry is powered by passionate operators, mentors, and innovators who rarely get the recognition they deserve. The Golden Whisk Awards exist to change that — shining a spotlight on the best in the business and inspiring the entire community to reach higher. Presented annually at the Shared Kitchen Summit, these awards honor the people and places building the future of local food systems.
Six Categories. One Industry.
Each award recognizes a distinct form of excellence within the shared kitchen ecosystem.
Shared Kitchen of the Year
The pinnacle of the Golden Whisk Awards, honoring the shared kitchen that has set the highest standard for excellence — in operations, client satisfaction, community building, and business innovation. This kitchen has made a lasting impact on clients and the wider food community.
Kitchen Incubator of the Year
Awarded to the shared kitchen that has excelled in nurturing food businesses through mentorship, resources, and an environment built for growth. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional leadership in helping startups and small businesses scale within the local food ecosystem.
Shared Kitchen Industry Champion of the Year
Recognizing an individual, organization, or business partner whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication has advanced the shared kitchen sector — through strategic alliances, promotion of best practices, and elevating the industry's visibility on a national and regional level.
Shared Kitchen Mentor of the Year
Honoring an individual who has gone above and beyond in providing mentorship within the shared kitchen community — through one-on-one guidance, workshops, or informal advice — making a lasting impact on the next generation of shared kitchen operators.
Community Impact Award
Celebrating a shared kitchen or individual who has made a profound positive impact on their community — through charitable programs, education initiatives, or efforts to combat food insecurity — using their platform to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Innovative Marketing Award
Recognizing a shared kitchen that has demonstrated exceptional creativity in its marketing — whether through digital platforms, unique mediums, partnerships, or inventive strategies — effectively elevating their brand and engaging their audience in new and compelling ways.
HOW IT WORKS
Nomination Process
Anyone in the shared kitchen community can submit a nomination. Here's how:
Choose a Category
Select the award category that best fits the nominee you have in mind.
Tell Their Story
Complete the nomination form with specific examples of impact, leadership, and contributions.
Submit by [DATE]
Nominations close XX weeks before the Summit. Late submissions are not accepted.
Winners Announced
Finalists will be notified privately. Winners are revealed live at the Golden Whisk ceremony.
HALL OF HONOR
2025 Golden Whisk Winners
Each year we celebrate the best in the industry. Meet our past honorees.
WINGMAN KITCHENS
Celebrated for delivering industry-leading, multi-city kitchen spaces that strengthen communities and propel food entrepreneurs at every stage.
FINDLAY KITCHEN
Celebrated for inclusive, accessible, and high-impact support for Cincinnati’s small food businesses.
LISA RAILOA
Celebrated for visionary leadership and advancing shared kitchens nationwide.
KITCHEN INCUBATOR OF CHATTANOOGA
Celebrated for expanding opportunity and connection through accessible kitchens, education, and community-focused programs.
INCUBATOR KITCHEN COLLECTIVE
Celebrated for storytelling and strategies that fuel visibility, growth, and entrepreneur empowerment.
SARABJIT SAWHNEY
Celebrated for transforming operations and generously elevating the confidence and success of shared kitchen teams.
2024 Golden Whisk Winners
CHERRY STREET KITCHEN
Rooted in Trenton, NJ, Cherry Street Kitchen empowers diverse food entrepreneurs — from caterers to bakers — through accessible, sustainably operated shared kitchen spaces.
CENTRAL KITCHEN
A powerhouse incubator for minority and women food entrepreneurs, Central Kitchen delivers the mentorship, resources, and community needed to turn food dreams into thriving businesses.
RON BATCHER
A champion for the infrastructure behind local food, Ron Batcher brings no-cost design and technical resources from USDA-AMS to the shared kitchens, food hubs, and markets that communities depend on.
JEN FAIGEL
Through CommonWealth Kitchen, Jen Faigel has cultivated an equitable food economy in Boston where diverse entrepreneurs get the mentorship, training, and market access they need to grow.
HUDSON KITCHEN
Hudson Kitchen has transformed a New Jersey food incubator into a nationally recognized brand — speaking directly to the ambitions of CPG founders ready to start, grow, and scale.
ERIC HALLMAN & SUE ELLSWORTH
From scaling small food businesses at Piedmont Food Processing Center to championing women entrepreneurs through WE Power Food, Eric Hallman and Sue Ellsworth are shaping the next generation of food innovators.